In order for computers to communicate with each other over the internet, all participants in the network have a unique address: Through IP addresses, clients know exactly which servers they should address. But no user can be expected to memorize the numerical sequence of the address, so instead, domain names are used. For this, there’s a domain name system (DNS): It converts numbers into domains and vice versa. To do this, clients first have to query one or more DNS servers before they get the correct address. This can cost valuable time. Therefore, it can be useful to speed up the internet connection by setting up a dedicated DNS server. A Raspberry Pi, the small but many-sided computer, provides a good base for this. We explain to you here how DNS functions and how you can set up your own home DNS server.

A static IP address, as opposed to a dynamic IP address, doesn’t change. The single-board computer Raspberry Pi always needs a static IP address if you want to access it with other devices over a long period of time. This refers to the private IP address of the Raspberry IP that is located by a computer within the local network as well as the public IP address of the network via which the Raspberry Pi is accessible on the internet (for example, if it’s being used as a server). But how do you provide Raspberry Pi with an IP address that always remains the same? This guide explains which options you have for linking a static IP address to your Raspberry Pi.

It’s becoming increasingly popular to use online storage with personal cloud providers such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon Drive. With these services, users can store their files in a cloud. This can be accessed at any time, using nothing more than a computer or mobile device with internet access.

However, it’s not uncommon for users to raise concerns regarding the reliability of their cloud hosting provider. A common criticism is that customers don’t know who else has access to the saved data, and whether the files are really removed from the server when they’re deleted. This is particularly important when it comes to the storage of sensitive data. If you want full control over your data, however, you can create and manage your own personal cloud.

ownCloud is a well-established, free, and easy-to-operate piece software developed for this purpose. The cost effective mini-computer, Raspberry Pi, acts as a particularly effective host for owncloud. This tutorial reveals everything you need to do to set up a Raspberry Pi cloud.Read More

The security of public internet access often leaves something to be desired. If you want to move around safely on the internet using your own VPN (“Virtual Private Network”)﻿ is a great way to do just that. By creating a personal VPN server, you also have access to the local home network via any internet connection.

To set up your own virtual, private network, you need a computer system that can function as its server. For this Raspberry Pi is a cost-effective option. You can make your own VPN server on Raspberry Pi using the free VPN server software OpenVPN, which is available to download online.